I was born in Welland,
Ontario on October 10th 1950. Living on the family tobacco farm near Otterville, Ontario was my
life. My goal was to get off the farm. Mom was a grade-school
teacher and teaching interested me.
Graduating from grade 13 in 1969 at Norwich
District High School (NDHS) 
(my
listing) prepared me for university.
In 1977, I obtained my MD from The University of Alberta
in Edmonton. Our Med
Class of 1977 recognized 45years September 2022. Planning is underway for 50-year reunion September 2027.
After completing Family Medicine Residency II (1979) at Dalhousie, my goal was to be helpful to patients and to teach.
Judy and I were married in 1983. James was born in 1985. He continues to work full time as an electrician. In 1987 we were blessed with a daughter, Jenna. She enjoys oil painting such as this tiger.
An opportunity to spend a year in Halifax
became available June 1989. I welcomed the change after a decade of private practice in
Edmonton. Our family agreed and I assumed the teaching and practice responsibilities of
Dr. D. C. Brown (my teacher 10 years previously) at Dalhousie
during his sabbatical year. I learned how to teach, to cook lobster, and to sail that
year. We returned to Edmonton, I joined the Department of Family Medicine at The University of Alberta , advanced to the level of associate professor, enjoyed patient
contact, teaching medical learners, and editing the Department of Family Medicine
Newsletter. I was a participant in the renovations at the Grey Nuns Family Medicine Centre in
2000 that included ideas from
Dr. Janice O'Hara in the area of hope. My interests in innovation and interpersonal communication
led to involvement in the launching of Alberta Collaborative Health Interdisciplinary initiative, currently named Health Sciences Students'
Association.
My initial approach to midlife adjustment included connecting with my Lithuanian roots. I became very active as president of the Lithuanian Society of Edmonton and involved as Lithuania, the homeland of my Dad, redeclared independence 11 March 1990.
From 1995 to 1997 I studied with my friend from Algimantas to improve my Lithuanian grammar/vocabulary, visited my ten paternal cousins in Lithuania, and put together a family tree. Opportunities to post to an online Lithuanian discussion group, review No Salutes for Your Surrender, a novel about Lithuania written by Antanas of Edmonton kept me busy. I still connect to our Lithuanian Society of Edmonton and add to Klemka Family History Website.
I started the practice of Qigong in
1996 and continue to appreciate the benefits of meditation. Contact with Friends of Bill and Fellowship
or just listening to Bob Dylan or playing online chess 
also gives
me serenity.
January 2002 marked the awakening of my passion for stage acting. What a joy it was for me to be amongst non-judgemental, supportive individuals in a criticism-free environment! Read all about my ongoing adventure at my Acting Biography.
February 2004 marked my departure from family medicine and teaching so that I could focus on my interest in psychotherapy. I provided services at Suite 3B13 at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre on Jasper Avenue until 2019 when I relocated to Suite 302, 575 - 100 Street SW, Edmonton until retirement December 31, 2025. Time with family, fellowship, traveling, and acting continues to enrich my life.
In May 2010, I fractured my left radius (bicycle mishap) and performed Master of Ceremonies duties at the Wedding of James and Julie.
My journey through 2011 and 2012 continued my "participation" lifestyle including yoga, more golf, more chess, more travel, and more renovations.
January 2013 rocketed me into the transformative learning of Landmark Worldwide. Granddaughter Emma Rose was born October 31, 2013.
Becoming a "senior" brought with it a degenerating left hip,
and also a Grandson. The hip initially required a platelet
rich plasma (PRP) injection until my right total hip replacement December 2018.
Our Grandson Bruce Bernard born May 03, 2016 required building of a new web page for
photos linked at Bruce Bernard.
2017 commenced with me scurrying to move my web pages to 1 & 1 using domain klemkas.com. A lot of work, alas, opportunity to revise/update pages.
My adventure since retirement has yet to unfold as I explore activities ranging from Santa Claus Performer to Beverage Ambassador to MCC examiner activities, training as a Standardized Patient. Ongoing exercises for my hip, bicycle riding, family times and travelling fill the days.
- - - - - „iki pasimatymo“, Lithuanian greeting for "until we meet".
Updated April 06, 2026.
